4C Coalition Recruitment/
    Application Packet


    VOLUNTEER APPLICATION - Word Document
    AUTHORIZATION TO OBTAIN INFORMATION - Word Document


    Mentor Program Essentials
    Mentors are recruited from the community to work with youth that are currently involved in the King County Superior Court system. The goal of the 4C Coalition Reclaiming Futures Mentor Program is to help young people make better life choices including, leading a life that is crime and drug free, with the aid of a caring adult. A mentor offers support and encouragement to the youth while the youth learns to serve the community better and have a more hopeful outlook for his/her future.


    Mentors are members of the community who:
  • Are 21 and older
  • Attend a 6-hour training designed to give the mentor information about the program and the youth involved in the juvenile justice system. A scripted training has been developed to insure that mentors are trained uniformly.
  • Consent to a Washington State Patrol background check.
  • Make a one (1) year commitment to a youth and the Mentor Program. Meet or make weekly contact with his/her assigned youth .
  • Contact Mentor Program staff to check-in regularly and attend a bi-monthly Mentor Seminars where mentors receive on-going training on working with 4C Coalition youth. During part of the seminar, mentors will meet in small groups to discuss issues with their individual youth.


    • The Mentor Program staff spends their time recruiting, training and supervising mentors, recruiting youth and speaking in the community on issues related to 4C Coalition Reclaiming Futures Mentor Program. The Mentor staff also plans and facilitates bi-monthly mentor seminars and helps mentors locate resources for their youth. The Mentor staff works closely with the youths’ probation counselors.


    4C Coalition Mentor Job Description

    Program Goal: Increase juvenile offender’s options for successfully retaining a lifestyle free of crime and drug usage by pairing them with a mentor

    Role of the Adult Mentor: The mentor is a trusted guide, coach and friend who assists and encourages youth to fulfill goals they have set for:
    • Education
    • Vocation
    • Drug/Alcohol free lifestyle


      • Mentors must do two things:
      • Make a connection with the youth.
      • Use that connection to convey a two-fold message:
      • (1) You are worth my time and effort because you are a valuable human being.
        (2) I can offer you, by my words and actions, ways to expand your horizons and increase the likelihood that you will achieve your goals.


    Commitment:
    The average time requirement is two (2) to four (4) hours a week. We are asking for a one-year commitment to the program and youth. Commitment and consistency are keys factors for success.


    Application Process:
    The application includes a request for three references and a release for a background check from the Washington State Patrol. The purpose of this check is to assure that applicants have no crimes against children or crimes of sexual deviancy. Staff will meet with mentors individually to get to know them in order to match them with a youth who has some similar interests.


    Training:
    Mentors learn role-modeling skills and receive coaching in the areas of goal setting, keeping promises and handling mistakes. Mentors gain skills in acknowledging student accomplishments and guiding them to achieve their goals step by step. They will become knowledgeable about resources available to them.


    Mentor/Youth Meetings:
    Youth will apply for a mentor. Once mentors are matched the Mentor Coordinator will introduce them at a mutually agreeable location. The youth and mentor will schedule and keep meetings on a weekly basis.


    Ongoing Responsibilities:
  • Attend bi-monthly meetings to enhance skills and share experiences in working with young people.
  • Turn in monthly paperwork on hours worked with youth.
  • Communicate with mentoring staff regularly